DixPix Photographs

SOUTH CORDILLERA

Lifestyles- RECREATION AND SPORTS

Given the wide range in societies, topographies and economic means within the Southern Cordillera, it is no surprise that there is a great variety in styles of recreation. As in other regions, the majority of people are simply satisfied to weave their free time out of watching television, with the occasional asado (barbecue). For the more active, here is some of the outlets available.

With so much coastline the beaches of Chile and Peru are a major attraction. Those accessible to the cities can be crowded in season, most people being content to shade some sand, tan their bodies and watch other bodies walk by.

To others the water beckons, this is the La Portada arch near Antofagasta on the Atacama Coast. It is a national monument, and climbing is not allowed.

The wind surfers are clearly enjoying themselves. Just what this bicyclist thought he was doing is a mystery. There are some sports which just don't go with beaches.

Wind surfing is increasing in popularity, and seems able to adapt well to the waves of the open coastline.

With virtually all of the coast of Chile exposed to the wild Pacific Ocean, there are plenty of waves. So where are the breaks beloved by surfers?

The official center for surfing in Chile is here at Pichilemu, where the break is rumored to be just right.

But everywhere kids can find a wave to enjoy, here at Arica under the gaze of a pelican.

Soccer (futbol) is the number one sport and passion throughout Latin American, and indeed most of the world. Informal matches go well with open beaches.

The coastal bluffs and coastal winds in certain areas have also proved great for parapet.

Getting your motorbike (of for that matter auto) into salt water is good for neither the vehicle nor the beach.

And, of course, there are always fishermen. Surf fishing tends to use long rods, and a fair amount a patience.

But wherever there is a wharf, any old fishing equipment will do. For more on the fishing lifestyle.

Many families prefer to do their water sports in the quieter settings of lakes and rivers.

A few even braving the cold glacier-fed waters. Snags like this one on Embalse Melado reservoir are due to flooding without previous clearing.

Water skiing is definitely easier in the lakes, and with Volcan Osorno as a backdrop, who could ask for a better setting.

There are many hotsprings in the Cordillera, and it is no surprise that the more accessible ones are popular. Here at Baño Morales east of Santiago, the water is just a little too sulfurous for my liking.

All the rivers and lakes in the southern sectors of the Cordillera have not been overlooked by the sports fishermen. Here they congregate where the Rio Maule enters the Colbun Reservoir in central Chile.

And for those willing to go a bit off the beaten track, there are some nice trout. The concept of catch-and-release seems to be reserved for gringos.

Fast rivers are where kayakers and white-water rafters find their fun. The Biobio and Futuleufu Rivers are renown for these sports, but this is the Maipo in flood. For a tour of some of the better known waterways see Rivers.

Getting away from the water-sports, a musical performance in a giant cavern in northern Argentina, known as the Anfiteatro Cafayate.

One of the most popular recreations is travel, given the wide variety of settings and societies. A Chilena such as this, shopping for souvenirs in a Bolivian market, might well be mistaken for a gringa, at least until she opens her mouth.

Another style of travel, well suited to families, is tent camping. The Cordillera is ideal for informal camping. Here in Patagonia, a sand dune helps break he wind.

If tent camping isn't in your family tradition, there are several outfitters in Patagonia who can throw together a more luxurious camp, complete with tents, guide, cook and itinerary.

And camping trips into the higher ranges can be spectacular.

Hiking and climbing are increasingly important, and trail systems are being opened through many parts of the Cordillera.

Then again, in fields of wild flowers, why get so energetic. A rest stop.

And if skiing is your thing, when the snow disappears in the northern hemisphere, winter is setting in for Chile and Argentina. This chairlift is part of the complex around the ski center of Portillo, on the main highway between these two nations.

Farther south, the tourist town of Bariloche Argentina, provides skiing in winter and hiking and climbing in summer, not to mention a major lake.

Directly above Santiago, a paved (but winding) road leads to Farellones, and adjacent Valle Nevado. This is a major ski center in the winter, and great alpine hiking in the summer.

The Queca is a traditional dance in which hankerchiefs are waved prominently. It is largely Chilean, but also seen in the surrounding countries. Well used hankerchiefs such as mine are not welcome.

There are always a few who prefer to take their vacations on horseback, making use of the many trails that thread the Cordillera.

For others, horse shows such as rodeos will have to suffice, such as this ritual thrashing of grain known as a trillag.

Or for a real show of horsemanship, there are polo clubs, such as this one near Curico. Just in case you have a complete set of trained horses handy.